Ajinomoto Gyoza Guide: Choosing and Cooking Frozen Dumplings

Japanese cuisine has won over food lovers everywhere, and gyoza are one of its finest ambassadors. Perfect for sharing and packed with flavour, these dumplings are ideal for a unique appetiser or a quick weeknight dinner. But in the frozen food aisle, how do you know which to choose?? This guide is here to help you decode the Ajinomoto Gyoza range—the gold standard for frozen Japanese dumplings—and find the perfect ones for you.

How to Choose the Best Frozen Gyoza??

Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few key criteria to help you make the right choice and guarantee a delicious meal.

1. The Filling?: A Matter of Taste

The heart of a gyoza is its filling. There are plenty of options to please every palate?:

• Pork Gyoza?: The traditional recipe, and the most popular in Japan. A timeless classic that's juicy and flavourful.
• Prawn Gyoza?: A lighter, more delicate alternative with a subtle hint of the sea.
• Beef Gyoza?: A rich and hearty filling for those who love more robust flavours.
• Vegetable Gyoza?: The ideal option for vegetarians, or simply for a lighter, fresher meal.
• Other Flavours?: To step off the beaten path, more adventurous variations like duck promise a more sophisticated tasting experience.

2. The Cooking Method?: The Secret to a Perfect Texture

Cooking gyoza is a simple art, but one that makes all the difference. The gold-standard method, Yaki-Gyoza, involves pan-frying them to get a golden, crispy base before adding a splash of water and covering the pan to finish by steaming. The result?? An irresistible play on textures. You can also steam them completely for a softer finish, or poach them in a broth. Rest assured, the instructions on every Ajinomoto package detail each step perfectly.

Recommended Ajinomoto Gyoza Picks

Ajinomoto offers a diverse range of frozen Japanese dumplings that let you enjoy authentic flavours at home, effortlessly. Here are our top picks.

AJINOMOTO Duck Gyoza (30 Pieces, 600g)

Why we love it?: A recipe that stands out with its original and gourmet filling. The duck meat, paired with crisp vegetables and Hoisin sauce, offers a complex and beautifully balanced sweet-and-savoury profile.

Highlights?:

• A sophisticated filling with duck (17%) and Hoisin sauce.
• A play on textures with cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts.
• A thin wheat wrapper that browns perfectly when cooked.

Who is it for?? For those who want to impress their guests or simply treat themselves to a more elegant version of the traditional gyoza.

AJINOMOTO Prawn Gyoza (30 Pieces, 600g)

Why we love it?: With 21% peeled prawns, these prawn gyoza are all about quality. The filling, lightly seasoned with sesame oil and spices, allows the delicate and authentic seafood flavour to shine through.

Highlights?:

• A generous amount of prawns for a pronounced flavour.
• Balanced seasoning that enhances the prawn without overpowering it.
• Versatile?: excellent pan-fried, steamed, or in a broth.

Who is it for?? Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking for lighter flavours.

AJINOMOTO Beef Gyoza (30 Pieces, 600g)

Why we love it?: The beef gyoza offers a rich and comforting filling. The mix of beef and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, mushrooms) ensures a satisfying texture and intense flavours.

Highlights?:

• A generous filling made with beef and vegetables.
• Seasoning enhanced with soy sauce and a hint of Worcestershire sauce.
• More substantial, they are perfect as a main course.

Who is it for?? For red meat lovers and hearty appetites looking for a comforting dish.

AJINOMOTO Vegetable Gyoza (600g)

Why we love it?: This vegetarian version is anything but bland?! Made with 51% vegetables (cabbage, onion, carrot, chives) and textured soy protein, it surprises with its umami flavour and a texture that has a delightful crunch.

Highlights?:

• A 100% plant-based filling packed with vegetables.
• A complex taste thanks to soy sauce and rice wine.
• Suitable for vegetarian diets and for those looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Who is it for?? The perfect alternative for vegetarians, flexitarians, or anyone simply wanting a lighter meal.

AJINOMOTO Pork Gyoza (30 Pieces, 600g)

Why we love it?: The pork gyoza is THE ultimate classic. The filling combines pork (18%), pork fat for unparalleled tenderness, and a generous portion of vegetables (31%). The traditional seasoning (garlic, ginger, soy sauce) makes it a timeless favourite.

Highlights?:

• Simply the authentic recipe.
• An incredibly juicy filling, thanks to the perfect balance of meat and fat.
• A thin wrapper that guarantees a crispy, pan-fried bottom and a soft, steamed top.

Who is it for?? For purists and anyone who wants to taste the authentic Japanese gyoza recipe.

Ready to Explore Other Asian Flavours??

Have the gyoza whet your appetite?? If you love exploring the flavours of Asia, our selection of Thai pork is sure to give you new ideas for dishes inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I perfectly cook frozen gyoza??

For foolproof gyoza cooking, follow the traditional pan-fry method (the best one?!)?:

1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place the gyoza, still frozen, flat-side down and fry for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
3. Pour in about 50?ml of water, then cover immediately.
4. Let them steam for 3 to 4 minutes, until the water has almost completely evaporated.
5. Remove the lid and continue to cook for another minute to allow the base to become crispy again. Serve immediately with soy sauce.

2. What is the difference between gyoza and other dumplings??

"Dumpling" is a broad term that covers all kinds of filled dough pockets. Gyoza are the Japanese version of Chinese jiaozi. They are distinguished by their thinner wrapper, a delicate filling (often pork and cabbage), and especially by their signature pan-fry and steam cooking method, which gives them a unique texture?: a crispy bottom and a soft, tender top.

3. How long can I store frozen Ajinomoto gyoza??

Store your Ajinomoto gyoza in the freezer at -18?°C. The best-before date is printed on the package. Crucially, never refreeze a thawed product?: it should be consumed quickly. For best results, cook them directly from frozen. This is the secret to preserving their texture and all their flavours.